Presbyterian Director Chosen For New Culture Of Health Leadership Program

Release Date:

September 19, 2016

ALBUQUERQUE – Leigh Caswell, MPH, Director, Center for Community Health, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, was one of only 40 leaders across the country selected to join Culture of Health Leaders, a new program co-led by the National Collaborative for Health Equity and CommonHealth ACTION with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She is the only leader chosen from New Mexico.

Working individually and in teams, the leaders will address top-of-mind issues in health and equity, including food systems, racial stress in urban communities, and immigrant trauma.

“The inspiration and vision these leaders bring to our program is astounding, and they come at health and equity from every angle,” said Brian Smedley, Culture of Health Leaders co-director and executive director and co-founder of the National Collaborative for Health Equity. “They will redefine the way leaders in every field use their innovation and influence to shatter the status quo on health in our country.”

During the program, participants will develop high-level leadership skills through professional coaching, networking and an advanced leadership curriculum.

“Presbyterian exists to improve the health of our community,” said Kathy Davis, RN, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, Presbyterian Healthcare Services. “We are very proud of Leigh’s work to enhance the way we care for our community’s health, earn grants and awards to support funding, implement Presbyterian's community health plan, and partner with New Mexico communities to build capacity and have greater impact. We look forward to the new insights she will gain through the Culture of Health Leaders program and bring home to New Mexico."

Culture of Health Leaders is one of four new leadership development programs launched this year by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and represent a four-year, multimillion dollar investment. The programs join five existing leadership programs in advancing RWJF’s legacy of supporting the development and diversity of leaders impacting health. The 2017 application period will open in January. More information is available at the Culture of Health Leaders website

About Presbyterian Healthcare ServicesPresbyterian Healthcare Services exists to improve the health of patients, members and the communities we serve. Presbyterian is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of eight hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, it is the state’s largest private employer with approximately 11,000 employees.